The Awake58 Podcast

The Trailblazer Profiles Project

In this Awake58 podcast episode, we sat down with Dr. Audrey J. ”A.J.” Jaeger to learn more about a special project led by the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. The Trailblazer Profiles Project highlights and celebrates the work of Asian, Black, Indigenous, and LatinX leaders in the North Carolina Community College System, specifically focusing on current and former community college presidents.

On grace, the pandemic and A-B Tech

In the latest Awake58 podcast, A-B Tech president John Gossett and A-B Tech VP Beth Stewart provide lessons from running a community college during the pandemic — including the importance of grace. Nation held conversations with Gossett and Stewart over the course of 15 months. Listen in for the lessons they shared.

The need to reach adult learners with Mike Krause

Mike Krause currently serves as a higher education consultant based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to this role, he was the head of the Tennessee higher education commission. Krause helped lead Tennessee’s efforts around attainment and adult learners. Having been an adult learner himself, Mike has a unique perspective on the topic. In this conversation, he shares his personal stories and experiences, as well as gives us tips for how North Carolina might move forward in the adult learner space. Thanks for listening!

Looking back and to the future — A conversation with Kandi Deitemeyer

EdNC’s Emily Thomas sits down with Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, President of Central Piedmont Community College. They look back at the past 18 months as Deitemeyer discusses what it was like leading a community college and serving as President of the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents during a pandemic. They talk about cybersecurity, colleges rallying together this past year, social and economic mobility, and the future of North Carolina community colleges.

Banking on a raise — Will this be the year community colleges see an increase in pay?

North Carolina’s community colleges have a proud legacy of making postsecondary education accessible across our state. Their impact, however, is dependent on the work of dedicated employees — employees who are paid significantly less than their national and regional counterparts. Employees who haven’t seen a significant pay increase in years. This year, they are once again asking the state for a raise for employees. In this special episode, you’ll hear from community college presidents and faculty about what a raise would mean for them and the impact employee pay can have on a college’s success.